The Nature Markets Dialogue (NMD) exists to build consensus around the future of high integrity nature markets. Assembling an exceptional Steering Group has always been central to that ambition, convening a group of professionals capable of harnessing the energy and knowledge of the 180 Nature Markets Dialogue participants. 

NMD Chair Peter Young is delighted to welcome John and Penny at such a vital time for the Dialogue, as we invite Dialogue participants to hone our governance recommendations for Ministers, to inform the pending voluntary carbon and nature markets consultation (see here and here), and bring the first of our nature-positive sector handbooks to completion.  

John Uttley

John retired from a varied career spanning more than 30 years with NatureScot in 2024. He headed NatureScot’s work on developing the new field of Nature Finance from 2019, collaborating closely with Government, innovative businesses, finance, academia, civic organisations and NGOs. He originated and developed the Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (FIRNS) and co-led the Scottish Nature Finance Pioneers, the UK’s premier Nature Finance network. John is a Member of the Board of Trustees for Trees for Life.

Penny Simpson 

Penny is a Partner at law firm Freeths LLP, where she leads the Environmental Law Team and Natural Capital Law Team. She is recognised as one of the UK's leading environment lawyers. With over 20 years of experience, Penny advises on the regulation of protected habitats and species, water resources, air quality and environmental impact assessment. Penny has led landmark environmental cases, including Harris vs Environment Agency in which the High Court affirmed the enforceability of key European nature conservation laws post-Brexit, a case for which she was named The Times Lawyer of the Week. Penny is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management and is recognised as an “elite leading individual” in the legal directories (Chambers & Partners and Legal 500). She previously served as in-house senior legal advisor at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

Penny and John join our existing Steering Group members:

Peter Young

David Young

Balwinder Dhoot

Emily Norton

Helen Avery

Judicaelle Hammond

Rohit Kaushish

James Stevens

Dan Walker-Nolan

Richard Benwell

Mark Reed (corresponding)

Hails, Rosie

Rachel Solomon Williams

George Sethia

Liam McAleese (observer)